John Salsnek - BC Artist

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John Salsnek - Artist

Canadian Artist John Salsnek

Biography

Nestled in a country valley, between two popular Okanagan, British Columbia cities, Oliver and Pentiction, you will find the hobby farm of renowned artist John Salsnek, his wife Stephanie and their 4-legged family.

Their cedar-lined drive leads directly to a traditional country barn, which to the delight of their frequent visitors is home to a complete Gallery and John's working studio. With an ongoing and always changing collection of original pieces and ever-increasing portfolio of limited edition images the Salsneks have created a charming and comfortable atmosphere for their guests. Although their home is but paces away, they do have a 'sometimes open, sometimes not' policy and encourage their visitors to call their convenient toll free number. This accommodates their travels throughout the Pacific Northwest and Alberta.

John has regular collectors who like to keep on top of new works and clients who are introduced to his work through gallery and specialty locations throughout western Canada and the Yukon. The Salsneks participate in numerous professional art exhibitions each year and John's work has an increasing following of international private and corporate collectors.

Although primarily an artist who depicts nature, John's work cannot be specifically designated as wildlife or landscape. His canvases will take you on a walk through the woods, or atop a mountain, he has a keen eye for colour and light and has a very recognizable style. His versatility is evident in his personal favourites. His studio is a collection of works finished and in process ranging from incredible realism......a vision from the forest depths, to detailed scientific illustrations of tortoise shells and exotic frogs.

John's painting process has always begun with massive amounts of subject research, he claims his treasured quarter-horse is his finest research assistant and her saddlebags are always well stocked with film, sketching tools and binoculars. Although preferring to do as much of his own research as possible, John relies on his extensive library to insure that the integrity of his work is not compromised by something as insignificant to most as an inappropriate moss. This stage is followed by a collection of individual sketches that evolve into the final composition.

Completing a piece is often a long process. John says, " I frequently put a piece away, totally out of sight for several weeks to get a new prospective on it....then I'm able to discover what it needs to be complete. I have to be totally satisfied with it before I apply the final varnish." John acknowledges that he has taken years to complete some works to his own satisfaction.

The limited edition print is a valuable feature of the Salsnek collection. John recognizes that not all of his clients are able to invest in original art work for every room in their homes and office, and to that end he considers the popularity of certain images and the subsequent affordability to his art collectors.

John maintains strict controls on the entire publishing process. He begins with an extensive opinion poll on the proposed image, researches the quality and style of stock and follows the program through each step until he is totally satisfied. Although he has been commissioned to develop limited editions in larger numbers for corporate clients, his 'Paw Prints Collectibles' are rarely above a series of 295 individually signed and numbered prints.

John is very proud of the successes that he has enjoyed so far and always has 'so many' paintings in his sketchbook and yet to be imagined that he is rarely far from his studio. Imagination aside, John's commissioned pieces keep him firmly grounded behind the easel at any time. Stephanie handles the administrative and promotional operations of 'Paw Prints' and together they determine their working calendar for each year. They also make it a priority in their hectic business schedule to participate in fundraising programs for the causes aiding children and animals.

" We are so fortunate to be able to be creative, and to have developed careers together that we totally enjoy."

John & Stephanie Salsnek
Some highlights:

Hooters - By Canadian Artist John Salsnek

2003-Selected "Best New Artist" - Calgary Stampede Western Showcase Art Exhibition

2000 - Voted Best Artist - in the Okanagan, Okanagan Life Magazine

1999 - Blue Ribbon - ( 2 Dimensional ) Spokane Western Art Show

1998 - Published - Wildlife Art

1997 - Published - Best of Wildlife Art - Northlight Books - Detroit

1996 - Published - Naturescape - Province of British Columbia

1995 - Published - Brushes in the Sun - coffee-table edition

1994 - Artist of the Year - Ducks Unlimited

1993 - British Columbia Wildlife Federation - Honours

1992 - Art Award of the Year - Ducks Unlimited

1990 - began painting full time

1990 - established a working studio and Gallery

Annual programs have included exhibitions at:
Canada House, Art Gallery of the South Okanagan, Osoyoos Art Gallery, Summerland Art Gallery, Stephen Lowe Galleries ( British Columbia and Alberta), Tumbleweed Art Gallery, Ponderosa Art Gallery, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Art Gala, Leir House, Harrison Hot Springs Art Walk and others.

To see more of John´s artwork, please go to his website at Website: www.geocities.com/artofjohnsalsnek/. You can also contact John and Stephanie directly through paw-prints@telus.net

Penny's Roses - By Canadian Artist John Salsnek

Collector's Shelf II - (CLICK HERE TO SEE BOTH MATCHING IMAGES) - By Canadian Artist John Salsnek

Morning Sparkle - By Canadian Artist John Salsnek

Maraschino Magic - By Canadian Artist John Salsnek

Blue Angels - By Canadian Artist John Salsnek

Click on a picture for a larger image and ordering information

The Art of John Salsnek
Paw Prints Studio & Gallery

148 Carr Crescent, Willowbrook Valley
South Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada

1-888-256-3600
Viewings by appointment

E-mail: paw-prints@telus.net Website: www.geocities.com/artofjohnsalsnek/

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